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The Anner Hotel here in Thurles is undergoing a huge facelift at present, as the large brown bear sitting at the reception desk, holding a sign “Bear With Us,” informs its growing daily patrons.
The hotel, as most local people have become aware, was purchased recently, rescued in the nick of time from the arms of uneasy receivership, by brothers and respected property developers Michael, Patrick and Seamus Maher, latter natives of the nearby village of Two-Mile-Borris.
 Breda Keane Already the new owners are demonstrating they mean to do business, installing new management and transforming this, their newly acquired asset, into an establishment that visitors in the future, both local and from further afield, will casually ‘name drop’ in all subsequent conversations.
Already, immediately on arrival, patrons will be pleasantly greeted by the new changes taking place at this ‘jewel in the crown,’ of Thurles accommodation.
The large patron’s free car parking area has been impressively transformed, now forming two lanes of traffic direction and thus offering a much safer vehicle parking enjoined area.
The previously overgrown neglected hedges and sickly decaying trees have been removed, opening up and revealing a previously undiscovered source of new streaming summer light. This rambling boundary has now been replaced with attractive careful substitutions; same fully restored by the planting of new mature evergreen trees of the sculptured triangular garden conifer variety. Note also strategic planting of one of the 70 species of the slow-growing family of ‘Buxaceae,’ commonly known as Box or Boxwood hedging. All new planting is tastefully protected at ground level by new, neat high kerbs and a welcome return to seeded lawn grass areas, replacing where once unattractive, dull and eroded black tarmac reigned supreme.
Clever changes are also evident in the mature secluded Georgian style main garden area, latter whose light and shade continue to remain ‘God’s Gift’ to all wedding photographers and their clientele. Wooden park benches have been tastefully introduced in no particular mathematical pattern, lending themselves to the appearance that same have stood there since the Hanoverian monarchs of the 18th and 19th century once ruled over us. A few strategically placed tables have also been introduced lending themselves to use by those who require that hour of quiet solitude, to sit and read a newspaper over a cup of coffee, weather permitting.
A welcome fresh coat of paint to the exterior of this building has been completed, while evidence of concern for the future comfort of patrons is also in evidence; with glaziers on site yesterday busy replacing single glass panes in favour of more modern double glazing.
New Manageress
This lady has big brown eyes, her smile is infectious, she is not from Cork, (contrary to misinformed local belief) and her credentials are impeccable. I am speaking of course of M/s Breda Keane, the now newly installed manager at the Anner Hotel, here in Co Tipperary.
The firm friendly handshake I received on my first introduced to Breda, by part owner Michael Maher, should have given me a more informed clue as to her true origins, after all she was wearing a gold Claddagh ring, latter an Irish symbol of loyalty and friendship on her right hand.
Yes Breda is a native of Galway City and indeed not the first Galwegian to ever take up residence here in Tipperary. With a fully recognised third level degree qualification in Hotel Management from Galway, her professional working career to-date spans some 12 years. Now with management experience gleaned from other well respected accommodation venues such as the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin; Actons Hotel, Kinsale and Orial House Hotel in Cork, our much loved Anner Hotel, Thurles, Co Tipperary appears to be heading from strength to strength.
Welcome to Thurles Breda and may we take this opportunity to wish you every continued success with your professional career.
 Thurles Chamber has invited all Local Election Candidates to their official launch of its Local Elections Business Manifesto which will take place on Thursday May 15th next at 9.00pm in the Thurles Chamber Enterprise Centre.
Thurles Chamber’s current President Mr John O’Shaughnessy has invited all Local Election candidates to attend and show their support to local businesses, latter who in turn currently sustain their respective local communities in the Templemore /Thurles electoral district, through providing not only local services, but who maintain and continue to create local employment.
In launching this Manifesto, Thurles Chamber will identify two key objectives in particular; (A) Reduction in the cost of doing business, (B) Creation of local job opportunities.
“Thurles Chamber believe that, if the implementation of the measures contained in our manifesto are followed through, same will create jobs in construction, retail and the various tourism sectors,” said John O’Shaughnessy, announcing the launch today.
A Notice of Invitation has now been issued to all Election Candidates in the upcoming Local Elections, to attend.
Mr O’Shaughnessy stated; “We would encourage all Local Election Candidates to attend this very important event to have their say, in what we hope will be an engaging evening. We are also intending to record this event and place same on our website and other media sites, to assist in promoting all the worthy candidates. We would really appreciate the usual full attendance by Thurles Chamber Members at this event; to further demonstrate to our local politicians the importance we, as a business community, have in the decisions that local politicians make and which impact on our business lives here in Mid Tipperary on a daily basis.”
New Hidden Tipperary Tourism Brochure
It is also expected that the newly designed “Discover Hidden Tipperary,” tourism brochure will also be launched by Thurles Chamber on the same night in question, latter the joint work of the newly formed Thurles / Holycross/ Upperchurch tourism group known as ‘Hidden Tipperary.’
This brochure is also expected to be made available to download worldwide in a Portable Document Format (PDF), possibly prior to its launch by Thurles Chamber and will also be offered by the said group, in hard copy, to Accommodation Service Providers, Library’s etc., existing throughout the surrounding areas, in the coming weeks.
Lament for Thomas MacDonagh – by Francis Ledwidge
“He shall not hear the bittern cry in the wild sky, where he is lain,
Nor voices of the sweeter birds above the wailing of the rain.
Nor shall he know when loud March blows thro’ slanting snows her fanfare shrill,
Blowing to flame the golden cup of many an upset daffodil.
But when the Dark Cow leaves the moor and pastures poor with greedy weeds,
Perhaps he’ll hear her low at morn, lifting her horn in pleasant meads.”
This coming May Bank Holiday Weekend (2nd – 5th May 2014) the town of Cloughjordan [ Map Ref ] here in Co Tipperary invite you to the home of the late great Poet, Writer, Gaelgóir, Dramatist, Patriot and Signatory of the Irish Proclamation, Thomas MacDonagh, (Irish: Tomás Mac Donnchadha; 1st Feb 1878 – 3rd May 1916).
 Weekend Programme of Events (Please do ‘Right Click’ on picture here [Left] to ‘View Image’ of Weekend Programme of events in greater magnification.)
Thomas MacDonagh was born here in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, one of eight children born to parents Joseph MacDonagh, latter a schoolteacher and Mary-Louise neé Parker. It was in this environment that he developed a love of music, poetry and education together with a passion for both English and Irish culture. He went on to attend Rockwell College near Cashel at the age of fourteen, where he initially aspired to become a priest or brother, spending several years studying, before realising that this life was no longer for him personally. Soon after, while residing in Co Kilkenny, saw the publication of his first book of poems; “Through the Ivory Gate,” (1902), followed one year later by “April and May,” (1903) and “The Golden Joy,” (1904).
MacDonagh’s lament by Francis Ledwidge, shown above, is a metaphor where “the wailing of the rain” represents the obvious grief associated with MacDonagh’s death. The words “when loud March blows thro’ slanting snows represents the poet’s hope that perhaps out of this historic grief may come something better thus conjuring up vivid images of weather, wild daffodils, both the appearance and sensation that is the present Cloughjordan countryside and which visitors will experience, for themselves, this coming weekend. In Ledwidge’s mind “the Dark Cow leaves the moor,” is a metaphor for Ireland as a nation, in the expectation that things will improve eventually for his beloved country and perhaps MacDonagh’s own execution will become acknowledged as not being totally in vain.
This subject I feel sure will be discussed in even greater debate here in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, this May weekend, so teachers do encourage you students to attend.
Cloughjordan May Weekend Programme
The weekend long programme features talks on various aspects of the historic events that shaped our nation. Events extend out into the surrounding countryside, which was a source of inspiration for many of MacDonagh’s poems; a guided walk through Knocknacree Wood, a field trip to sites of heritage interest (Modreeny Medieval Settlement) and numerous exhibitions. Come along and enjoy music and song agus beidh fáilte roimh cách ag an Oíche Ghaelach. ( Latter translation from Irish: “and everyone is welcome at the Irish Night.” )
The talks, a painting workshop, exhibitions and evenings of song and story will take place in the Thomas MacDonagh Heritage Centre, Lower Main Street, Cloughjordan and other venues in the town. In this year of commemorations Thomas MacDonagh, World War I and Cumann na mBan (Irish: Women’s Association) receive special attention. The programme invites people of all ages to reflect on our past, which is manifest in the rich heritage of this area.
Volume VIII in the Cloughjordan Heritage series will be launched on Friday at 8;00 pm. The Thomas MacDonagh Summer School begins at 11.00 am on Saturday. On Sunday Prof. Peadar Kirby presents a talk on MacDonagh and later Dr. Mary McCauliffe will speak on Cumann na mBan. Enjoy a family friendly afternoon with Heritage Games and the MacDonagh Pipe Band from Templemore. The programme concludes on Monday with a guided walk in Knocknacree Wood, a CineClub presentation of “War Horse” (based on WWI) agus Oíche Ghaelach le ceol agus caidreamh. ( Latter translation from Irish: “and Irish Night music and relationships.” )
This area in North Tipperary, “in calm of middle country” (T. MacDonagh’s own words) is rich in heritage and natural environment. Cloughjordan is now home to the International Award Winning Sustainable Community and visitors are welcome to come on a guided tour of the Eco Village on Sunday at 3.00 pm. Stay in the Eco Hostel and in local B&B accommodation. Enjoy the evenings in a friendly festival atmosphere.
Bí linn ag comóradh Tomás Mhac Donnachadha ina bhaile dhúchais. ( Latter translation from Irish: “Join us in commemorating Thomas MacDonagh in his home town.” )
Further information on “Cloughjordan Honours Thomas MacDonagh,” can be found by clicking Here.
Some 79 rural Tipperary towns and villages are to be connected to a new state-subsidised fibre broadband service that will cost up to €1bn to build. Announcing this welcome news and major investment, North Tipperary Labour Minister for State Alan Kelly has stated that this is a significant development for the rural and remote areas of county Tipperary.
Areas in the hinterland of Thurles who are expected to benefit from this exciting development will include; Ballingarry (South), Ballinure, Ballycahill, Boherlahan, Bouladuff, Castleleiney, Clonoulty, Coalbrook, The Commons, Dovea, Drom, Drumbane, Dualla, Goold’s Cross, Horse & Jockey, Killea, Lisheen, Loughmore, Moyne, New Birmingham, Rossmore, Templetouhy, and Upperchurch, to name but a few.
Minister Kelly spoke of the project to Thurles.info yesterday, while attending at the launch of the new and exciting Derrynaflan developed tourism trail held in the Horse & Jockey Hotel, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
 Representatives from Littleton Development Association, Holycross Community Network, Slieveardagh Rural Development, Upperchurch Development, South Tipperary Development, Hidden Tipperary, together with senior political representatives who attended at the launch of the new “Derrynaflan Trail” tourism project yesterday. Construction is expected to begin next year and close to 1,100 small rural towns and villages across Ireland will now gain access to fibre broadband for the very first time.
Mr Kelly said the Government was committing to some €512m funding to this project, with hundreds of millions in matching investment expected from tender-winning broadband operators. The money is being made available through €6.8bn from the Strategic Investment Fund, formerly known as the National Pension Reserve Fund, and the European Investment Bank and the plan would require final approval from the European Commission.
“This upgrading now signals this Government’s intention to subsidise/upgrade rural broadband, thus reversing an unacceptable growing divide between urban and rural Ireland,” Minister Kelly stated.
Nationally the plan envisages 900,000 of Ireland’s estimated 2.3 million premises gaining access to the new fibre network. This will be dominated by a target list of 1,100 small towns and villages that are identified as having no other high-speed broadband service available.
The list of these 1,100 small towns was the result of a mapping exercise conducted by the Government and both this list and mapping exercise could still be further expanded. “It should be noted that anywhere that industry is currently providing a high-speed service, same will not be included in our current rural areas to now be expanded and if infrastructure such as railway lines etc. could be further utilised to help distribute required fibre lines, the slow work of having to dig new trenches could be avoided,” Mr Kelly continued.
Mr Kelly said it had not yet decided whether the tender would initially seek one overall partner or whether it could be divided into separate tenders, based on regions.
This overall rural fibre broadband project is set to be complete by 2016 at the latest and will be welcomed particularly by small struggling rural businesses in Tipperary.
 The new ‘Derrynaflan Trail’ tourism project is all set to be launched; hosted in the Horse & Jockey Hotel, Thurles, at 10:00am on Friday April 25th next. Launch is by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Mr Jimmy Deenihan and note all are welcome to attend.
This project is being spearheaded by three Tipperary community organisations, namely; Littleton Development Association, Holycross Community Network and Slieveardagh Rural Development. The project has the support and guidence of South Tipperary Development Company under the Rural Development Programme and these groups jointly have now completed the first phase in this exciting trail development.
A Fifty Eight Minute Audio Guide together with a thirty six page booklet has now been produced, together with a brochure highlighting the rich ecclesiastical heritage of this previously hidden part of middle Tipperary. These three community groups are continuing to develop guided tours of the sites with Holycross Community Network already providing tours of Holycross Abbey and it is now planned to put regular tours of other sites in place. Interpretive signage at each site is now their longer term objective. The overall aim of this project is to now provide a much needed economic boost to rural Tipperary, through increasing overall visitor numbers from both home and abroad.
The ‘Derrynaflan Trail’ will connect ancient ecclesiastical sites from the Slieveardagh Hills, across through Littleton Bog, to the banks of the River Suir. Holycross Abbey, Kilcooley’s Cistercian Abbey, Liathmore’s two churches and of course Derrynaflan Island itself, are numbered amongst the places of significance along this most ancient of routes. This trail will span fifteen centuries of Irish history since early Christian times. Along the way travellers will encounter the rich local folklore concerning rebel priests, saintly miracles, a Viking battle, Cromwellian invaders and indeed much, much more.
All these wonderful sites are free of charge, though donations are appreciated when visiting at Holycross Abbey, latter which provide excellent professional tour guides.
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